The 49ers are where the Raiders were three years ago – drastically undermanned, in the midst of unrelenting losing, and with Fort Knox-like money under the salary cap. Obviously, the 10-2 Raiders have made the right moves in hiring coach Jack Del Rio, drafting players like Derek Carr and Amari Cooper, and acquiring players like …

The 49ers have acquired cornerback Eric Wright … again. Twenty days after the Niners traded for the six-year veteran in a deal that was voided by Wright’s subsequent failed physical, they signed him today and placed him on the non-football injury/ilnness list. …

The 49ers placekicker is a weather-web-site wonk after spending the first 14 seasons of his career kicking in Cleveland’s inclement weather. Given the nature of his job, and his previous place of employment, he’s well-versed on late-game pressure and barometric pressure. …

The 2012 holiday season wasn’t a merry one for 49ers defensive tackle Demarcus Dobbs. On Nov. 30, Dobbs was arrested for marijuana possession and DUI when he was involved in a single-car accident around 4 a.m. in Santa Clara. …

As it turns out, Martin won’t get a chance to feel fully comfortable in Santa Clara: The 49ers winnowed their burgeoning wide receiver corps by cutting Martin today and re-signing punter Colton Schmidt, who was released last week. …

Willis, who fractured the hand in practice July 31, is expected to be sidelined for about three weeks. If he follows that timeline, he’ll be back about two weeks before San Francisco’s opener against Green Bay on Sept. 8. …

About 11 months and countless practice punt returns later, it appears the once-jittery James is brimming with confidence. Asked today if he was ready to become the 49ers’ top punt returner, he quickly responded, “Most definitely.” …

He is widely identified as the poster boy for the NFL’s concussion problem, but wide receiver Austin Collie said the status of his right knee – not his head – is what worried him as he waited for an NFL team to offer him a contract. …

A day after Jim Harbaugh offered a cheery report on Nnamdi Asomugha, 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio delivered a far more critical assessment of the former All-Pro cornerback who is attempting to resuscitate his career. …